Narayan Nagbali Puja
Narayan Nagbali Puja is a sacred Vedic ritual performed to free one’s ancestors from unfulfilled desires and relieve the performer from various doshas (faults) in their horoscope. This unique three-day puja is exclusively performed at the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik, Maharashtra, a temple that holds deep spiritual and mythological significance. The ritual addresses two major issues: the liberation of the souls of ancestors and the absolution from the sin of killing snakes, especially cobras.
This powerful puja combines two different rituals:
Narayan Bali – to satisfy and release the souls of ancestors who died unnaturally.
Nagbali – to atone for the sin of killing a snake, which is considered a sacred creature, often associated with Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
Let us delve deeper into the origin, importance, procedure, and benefits of Narayan Nagbali Puja.
Historical Background
Origin from Garuda Purana
The origin of Narayan Nagbali Puja is rooted in the Garuda Purana, one of the major 18 Puranas of Hinduism. This ancient text describes the journey of the soul after death and the significance of rituals that help the departed achieve moksha (liberation). According to the Garuda Purana, when a soul dies an unnatural death—such as suicide, accident, murder, or by poisoning—it does not attain peace and remains in the earthly realm. The Narayan Bali ritual is prescribed to offer peace to such wandering souls.
Scriptural Importance
The scriptures emphasize that unnatural deaths disrupt the karmic cycle and create Pitru Dosh in the family lineage. Nagbali is recommended when someone has committed the sin of killing a cobra, knowingly or unknowingly. The Nag is considered a deity and killing one is believed to bring curses across generations. The scriptures advise performing these rituals to remove such severe karmic burdens.
Difference Between Narayan Bali and Nagbali
Aspect
Narayan Bali
Nagbali
Purpose
To liberate souls of those who died unnatural deaths
To remove the sin of killing a snake
Associated Dosha
Pitru Dosh
Nag Dosh
Ritual Material
Wheat flour body symbolizing the deceased
Snake idol made of flour or turmeric
Deity Worshipped
Lord Vishnu and ancestors
Snake deities
Duration
First day of the puja
Second day of the puja
Though performed together, the purpose and symbolic representations are very different. Narayan Bali is for ancestral peace, while Nagbali is for karmic relief.
Importance of Trimbakeshwar for this Puja
Trimbakeshwar as a Sacred Site
Located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The place is known for its unique temple architecture where the linga has three faces symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The site is also the origin of the sacred Godavari River, making it one of the holiest places for performing spiritual rituals.
Why This Location is Chosen
Trimbakeshwar is believed to possess powerful energy fields that enhance the effectiveness of rituals performed here. According to scriptures, Lord Brahma himself performed penance here. The combination of being a Jyotirlinga site and the source of the Godavari River makes it an ideal and highly charged spiritual location for Narayan Nagbali Puja.
Who Should Perform Narayan Nagbali Puja?
This puja is advised for people facing issues such as:
Pitru Dosh in horoscope (ancestral karmic debt)
Repeated miscarriages, childlessness, or infertility
Delayed marriage or marital discord
Sudden and repeated accidents or unnatural deaths in the family
Financial losses and unexplained setbacks in personal and professional life
Astrologers often recommend this puja after studying an individual’s horoscope and identifying afflictions due to ancestral souls or snake-related doshas.
When to Perform Narayan Nagbali Puja
Auspicious Timings and Muhurats
Narayan Nagbali Puja can be performed at any time of the year, but certain days hold more power:
Amavasya (New Moon Day)
Pitru Paksha (15 days dedicated to ancestors)
Mahalay Shraddha period
Poush, Magh, and Shravan months
Annual Suggested Periods
Though the puja can be performed on any suitable tithi, the months of July to December are considered highly auspicious due to spiritual energies aligning with ancestral realms.
Narayan Nagbali Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Process)
Preparation for the Puja
The devotees should maintain celibacy, avoid non-veg food, alcohol, and maintain spiritual discipline before and during the puja.
Required items include new white clothes, silver or turmeric snake idols, flour, pind materials, black sesame seeds, and ghee.
Day 1 – Narayan Bali
The Pandit performs Sankalp, taking a vow on behalf of the devotee.
A symbolic body made of flour is created to represent the deceased.
Invocation of ancestral spirits is done using Vedic chants.
Offerings of Pind Daan and Tarpan are made to satisfy the soul.
The process is concluded with prayers to Lord Vishnu to guide the soul toward moksha.
Day 2 – Nagbali
A turmeric or silver snake is created or placed as a symbol.
Rituals are done to seek forgiveness from the snake deity.
Offerings are made to snakes through symbolic gestures.
Pind Daan is again performed for karmic relief.
Day 3 – Final Rituals and Tarpan
Ash immersion is done in the sacred Godavari River.
Brahmins and cows are fed, symbolizing gratitude and fulfillment.
Final Tarpan is performed with a prayer for peace and blessings.
Significance of Narayan Bali
It helps in attaining peace for souls that have died accidental or untimely deaths.
It provides Pitru Dosh Nivaran, reducing obstacles and misfortunes in life.
Ensures ancestral blessings and resolution of generational issues.
Significance of Nagbali
It removes Nag Dosh caused by killing or harming snakes.
Prevents snake-related bad omens, dreams, and spiritual disturbances.
Offers protection to future generations from snake-related karmas.
Spiritual Benefits of Narayan Nagbali Puja
Provides moksha to suffering ancestral souls.
Establishes harmony in the family and lineage.
Boosts spiritual growth, inner peace, and karmic balance.
Strengthens one’s connection with divine energies.
Personal and Social Benefits
Mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and emotional healing
Improved family relationships and reduced disputes
Resolution of financial issues and success in endeavors
Greater harmony in marriage, relationships, and work life
Duration and Cost of the Puja
Time Required: 3 consecutive days (each day lasting 3-5 hours)
Cost Range: ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 depending on:
Experience of the Pandit
Inclusions like meals, stay, puja items, Godavari immersion, etc.
Booking the Puja at Trimbakeshwar
How to Book
Contact verified Pandits or Trimbakeshwar Temple Trust members.
Many authorized priests offer online booking via websites or WhatsApp.
Bookings should be done at least a week in advance to arrange materials.
Reputed Pandits and Packages
Check reviews and recommendations.
Government-certified Pandits provide full guidance.
Packages may include accommodation, meals, temple darshan, and puja samagri.
Do’s and Don’ts During the Puja
Do’s
Wear traditional white attire (dhoti/saree).
Maintain silence, spiritual mindset, and vegetarian diet.
Follow the Pandit’s guidance precisely.
Don’ts
Do not skip any day of the puja.
Avoid alcohol, non-veg food, and sexual activity during the puja period.
Do not leave the ritual incomplete once started.
Accommodations and Travel Tips
Where to Stay
Dharamshalas near Trimbakeshwar Temple
Budget and mid-range hotels with puja packages
Some Pandits provide accommodation as part of their service
Nearby Places to Visit
Kushavarta Kund – The origin of the Godavari River
Brahmagiri Hills – Trek to the place where Lord Shiva resided
Anjaneri Fort – Birthplace of Lord Hanuman
Gorakhnath Cave and Neel Parbat
Conclusion
Narayan Nagbali Puja is a sacred Vedic remedy that helps resolve deep-seated spiritual and karmic problems. Performed only at Trimbakeshwar Temple, it offers peace to departed souls and cleanses the living of ancestral and snake-related doshas. By following the proper procedure and under the guidance of experienced Pandits, devotees can experience a new phase of positivity, growth, and harmony in their lives.
FAQs
What is the total cost of Narayan Nagbali Puja?
The cost ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000, depending on services, materials, and accommodations included in the package.
Can women perform the Puja?
Yes, women can participate, except during their menstrual period. It is often performed by couples together.
Is it necessary to stay for all three days?
Yes, attending all three days is essential to complete the ritual cycle and receive its full benefits.
How many people are allowed to attend?
Usually, 2 to 4 family members can attend. Larger groups may require prior arrangements with the Pandit.
What are the side effects if not performed?
Ongoing Pitru Dosh resulting in family disputes and health issues
Financial losses and lack of peace
Repeated misfortunes or career stagnation
Delayed marriages, miscarriages, and infertility problems
Performing Narayan Nagbali Puja at Trimbakeshwar offers spiritual liberation to the ancestors and brings lasting peace, prosperity, and protection to the family.